Bendigo, Ballarat and the Goldfields
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There's an argument that Bendigo and Ballarat made Victoria happen. Back in the goldrush days of the 1850s, this area was briefly the source of the greatest concentration of riches the world had ever seen. Men were coming from everywhere - Europe, America, Asia - to join in the party. Fortunes were made. Murders were committed. Traitors walked the goldfields. And amid the madness, Australian democracy made its stand.
(Miners rebelled against harsh government taxes in 1854. The Eureka Stockade, as it was known, was a massive step in Australia moving towards a system of universal suffrage, where every man gets one vote.)
Nowadays, the area is much more peaceful but still offers some worthwhile rewards to those who are prepared to dig. Beautiful Bendigo and historic Ballarat are both big cities with plenty of entertainment. The Macedon Ranges have the fascinating Hanging Rock and Mount Macedon, while Daylesford has world-famous mineral spas and a relaxed hippy vibe.
Maldon and Clunes are both charming small towns that once promised unimaginable riches. So did Castlemaine, but that delivered the goods and now has a jumpin' music scene with what seems like half of Melbourne's musicians living there. (The other half live in Northcote, in Melbourne's inner north).
Spread throughout, there's some unique Box-Ironbark Forests that you won't find anywhere else in the world. There's spectacular lookouts showing the view across Victoria's heartland. And there's some simply gorgeous local pubs which are great place to sink a drink.
